Chemical Skin Peels
For Mild-Moderate Acne Scarring

Chemical Skin Peels To Clear Acne Scarring

Although not primarily designed as a treatment for acne scarring, chemical peels are routinely used by people whose skin has been scarred by acne. They are useful in reducing mild scarring, and improving dark skin discoloration brought about by scarring, since the peel removes layers of skin via the application of an acidic solution. The underlying skin is left to regenerate itself without the old scar tissue.

It is important to realise that skin peels are essentially cosmetic procedures which will not prevent or treat outbreaks of acne - in fact, you should not attempt any grade of skin peel while you are experiencing a flare-up, as this may damage the skin or cause an infection.

Will A Skin Peel Reduce My Acne Scarring?

While the results of these procedures can be extremely good for some people, others will be disappointed that their scarring not improved as much as would have hoped for. Many candidates for peeling also fail to realise just how invasive the procedure is and are unprepared both for the amount of post-operative pain, bruising and swelling involved in some of the more aggressive techniques.

Be aware also that facial skin cannot afford to undergo repeated exposure to the more aggressive of these procedures without sustaining some weakening.

It is important that if you are considering undergoing a chemical skin peel, you seek out a properly trained and experienced practitioner, and that you consult with him or her to establish just what results you can realistically expect to achieve.

Don't be afraid to do a little research before committing to anything.  Most people wouldn't dream of investing in a house or a car without having it checked out first, yet they are prepared to place their most valuable commodity, their body, in the hands of a complete stranger.

Don't allow yourself to be reassured simply by a wall full of diplomas and degrees - you have the right to ask your dermatologist and/or technician;

- How many times have you performed this procedure? Over how many years?
- How many times have you performed this procedure on patients of my skin type?
- Can I see photos?
- Is facial surgery your specialism, or just one of a number of areas you work on?
- Can I speak with some of your patients?


Also, check online to see if your practitioner has been sued before.

Important: Because of the potential for skin to be permanently lightened, chemical peels (of any strength) are not recommended for patients with dark skin.

Types Of Skin Peel

Broadly speaking, there are three different grades of chemical peel: superficial, mid or medium, and deep, each type referring to how deep a level of skin the peel removes.

If you are considering getting a peel done professionally by anyone other than a medically trained dermatologist, you should check what chemical(s) are to be used and in what strengths.

Superficial Peels

Peels done in a spa/salon or with a home peel kit should be removing a portion of or all the epidermis (top layer of skin) using only chemicals from the following list, and in strengths of under 30%:

• Glycolic Acid(AHA)

• Salicylic Acid (BHA)

• Lactic Acid

• Jessner's Peel (salicyclic acid, resorcinol and lactic acid mixed in ethanol)

• Resorcinol

• TCA 10-20% (Trichloracetic Acid)
   

If you search, you will find medical-grade peeling solutions available on the internet, but since the potential for severely damaging your skin is so great, I advise against using these to treat yourself - it takes just seconds to end up with a permanently damaged skin

If you are going to have a peel, it's important to follow some common sense rules:

- don't have or carry out a peel when you have a live acne flare-up - it will cause you needless pain and may lead to infection.

- make sure you carry out all the pre-peel preparation work as instructed.

- don't be tempted to leave the acid on for longer than the stated time in the hope of getting better results.


Cost:

Superficial (home) - prices start at around £50.00 per product.
Superficial (salon) - $100 -$300 (repeated treatments will often be necessary).


Best Buys

SkinStore.com carry a good range of products, which all have reviews and ratings by users. The following products all received 5 star reviews from users:

Mid - Deep Skin Peels

Because peels done using stronger solutions penetrate down deeper into the skin, they have greater potential to lead to complications. For this reason, the recommendation is that such peels take place in a medical setting. These peels may require that you undergo pre-op preparation including the use of a strong exfoliant agent such as Renova, a skin bleaching agent such as hydroquinone for several weeks prior to the procedure in order to reduce the risk of post-op irregular skin discoloration, the use of a sunscreen and the use of anti-viral and anti-biotic medication to reduce the risk of infection.

Cost:

Mid skin peel - $1000 - $2000 (repeated treatments may be necessary).

Deep peels are done using phenol, and because of the associated risk of cardiac arrest, should only be done under general anaesthetic, with full cardiac and pulmonary monitoring. There will be an increased sensitivity to sunlight, with a loss of the skin's ability to tan. They are not generally recommended or necessary for acne scarring.



Cost :

Deep - $2500 - $6000 - one-time only.
 

Useful Links

Chemical Skin Peels

Comparison of Scar Treatment Procedures

Procedure	Mild Scars	Severe Scars	Side Effect Free	Affordability
Superficial Peel
Mid-Deep Peel
Microdermabrasion
Dermabrasion
Dermaplaning
Ablative Lasers
Non-ablative Lasers
Punch Techniques
Augmentation
Topical Creams

See Also:

Chemical Skin Peels
Acne Scar Creams
Microdermabrasion
Dermaplaning
Dermabrasion
Laser Surgery
Punch Techniques
Augmentation